The National Center of Trade Unions of Turkmenistan (NCTUT) paid its first official delegation visit to Kazakhstan on 11 September 2026, marking a significant step toward systematic labor cooperation between the two Central Asian nations.
The delegation, led by NCTUT Chairperson Oguljennet Berdiliyeva, met in Astana with Satybaldy Dauletalin, Chairman of the Federation of Trade Unions of the Republic of Kazakhstan (FTURK). The talks culminated in the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) designed to institutionalize regular dialogue, joint initiatives, and mutual support on international platforms.
During the meetings, the Kazakh side outlined key operational priorities, including social partnership frameworks, wage regulation, occupational safety, labor legislation, and digital transformation—specifically addressing worker protection amid the integration of artificial intelligence (AI).
Highlighting the need for action-oriented partnership, Berdiliyeva emphasized joint educational programs, sector-specific exchanges, and alignment within international bodies.
“We want to initiate concrete joint work: sharing expertise, hosting seminars, developing contacts between sectoral unions, and executing joint projects,” Berdiliyeva noted. “Given our shared interests, key areas of cooperation will include joint participation in International Labour Organization (ILO) events and mutual support within international trade union forums.”
According to official data, the NCTUT represents over 1.1 million members across 14 sectoral, five regional, four municipal, and 44 district unions.
Sectoral cooperation—particularly in transport and education—featured prominently during the discussions.
Orazgali Ahmetbayev, Chairman of the Kazakh Railway Workers’ Union (KAZPROFZHEL), pointed out that existing professional ties between railway unions are increasingly vital given the expansion of Central Asian transport corridors and the growing geopolitical importance of the Caspian region.
Similarly, Aygul Mukasheva, head of the Kazakh Trade Union of Education and Science Workers, called for intensified exchanges between academic and educational unions from both nations.
The practical outcome of the meeting was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding and Cooperation between the Federation of Trade Unions of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the National Center of Trade Unions of Turkmenistan.
The document establishes a framework for regular engagement and the exchange of trade union expertise. It outlines plans for joint meetings, seminars, and training events, as well as collaborative projects aimed at protecting workers’ labor and socio-economic rights.
Key priorities include occupational health and safety, trade union education, youth policy, gender equality, sustainable development, and international trade union cooperation.
The agreement transitions labor relations between Turkmenistan and Kazakhstan into a structured partnership, setting the stage for broader regional integration across key industries.